WhistlePig 10 year Rye Whiskey

Today, I am reviewing WhistlePig 10 Rye Whiskey & intend to cover the following-

- Brief history behind this whiskey

- Tasting notes

- SJ's rating

- SJ's pro tip

This is a rye whisky of Canada which is bottled in WhistlePig Farm in Vermount,USA. Seems quite confusing doesn't it? Well it is. Let me present some facts that will help in understanding where this is sourced from and how it is matured.  

WhistlePig started in 2007. With the help of late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, they discovered and purchased huge quantity of 10 year old blending whiskey in Canada. This, I believe is the secret sauce of this whisky. Rye whisky from Canada. What makes Canadian rye so special? Rye is the most winter hardy crop tolerating temperatures as low as -30 degrees C. No wonder Canada uses rye for their whiskey since it is so cold out there. WhistlePig 10 is aged in new virgin American Oak from the blended rye whiskey brought from Canada. 

Vital Stats-WhistlePig Rye Whiskey 

Price- $72.99 for 750ml bottle($8.49 for pictured 50 ml sampler)

Age- 10 years 

ABV-  50%

Country of Origin- Canada

Company/Distillery- WhistlePig Farm, Go America Go Beverages, Shoreham,VT

Awards won- 2017, Best in Show Whiskey- San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- The Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark Amber

Aroma- Robust, tangerine, vanilla, rye, wheat, spices & oak

Flavor- Spicy, amazing sharp rye flavor, perfectly finished in oak barrels

Body- Full

Finish- Long lingering spicy finish, not the smoothest though. It has a bite from the rye.

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Top shelf rye whisky. It is smooth, packs a flavorful punch, high ABV, great aroma and body. Whatever they have done from sourcing the rye whisky in Canada to aging is top quality. Love it. 

Occasions- Sipping by fireside on a cold snowy night watching a spaghetti western- The Hallelujah Trail.

SJ's Pro tip- Try Glenlivet Nadurra Olorosso Cask Finish for similar price range but flavorful whisky

Unique and amazing rye whisky, that I really had fun drinking and reviewing. Give it a try! Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

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Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Islay Single Malt

Today, I am reviewing Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg- A monster of a dram. I intend to cover the following- 

-Brief history behind this whisky

-Tasting notes

- SJ's Rating 

- SJ's Pro tip

Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 and has come a long way and made a name for itself as an intensely smokey whisky. It has got it's ups and downs and calls itself "The greatest distillery in the world". I can see why and the peaty flavor it imparts is something out of this world. 

Just like the name suggests, it really is a monster of a dram. It is matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. 

Vital Stats- Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Price- $39.99 for 750ml bottle 

Age- 5 years (at least)

ABV- 47.4%

Country of Origin- Scotland

Region- Islay

Distillery- Ardbeg Distillery

Awards won- Numerous awards for best smokey whisky(too many to list here) 

Tasting info-

Serving Glass- The Glencairn whisky glass

Serving Style- Neat & on the rocks

Appearance- Medium Gold

Aroma- Smokey, peat, spices, cinnamon

Flavor- Intense peaty, smokey, ultimate peaty flavor, robust non-chill filtration gives earthy feel

Body- Full

Finish- Long, bitter sweet peaty aftertaste

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf

Another example that the age statement is not necessary a factor when it comes to flavor. It's got the ultimate robust peaty flavor that I have started to like. Smooth & long lingering finish. What else would you need on a cold winter night. 

Occasions- Savor it watching a spagetti western movie by the fireside :-)

Cocktails- None

SJ's Pro tip- Give it as a gift to smokey whisky lovers. 

I absolutely enjoyed drinking and reviewing this whisky. Give it a shot and find out. Cheers!🥃🥃 Enjoy responsibly! 

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Rebecca Creek 306 Fine Texas Whiskey

Hello Single Malters, today I am reviewing Rebecca Creek 306 whiskey made in San Anotnio, TX.  In today's blog I intend to share the following information- 

-Some history behind this whiskey

- Tasting notes

- SJ's Rating

- SJ's Pro tip

The Rebecca Creek Distillery was founded in 2009. The founder is Steve Ison whose vision and passion for high quality spirits led to building the distillery using a blend of old and new technology to produce fine spirits. It's product line includes whiskey and vodka. 

The name comes from the Rebecca Creek river that is next to the distillery( like any distillery in the world, one of the most crucial ingredients is water which needs to be sourced as near as possible to the distillery) & 306 is the farm road that is runs in front of it. Quite a literal name based on where it is located!

Vital Stats-

Price- $23.99 for 750ml($1.99 for 50ml pictured sampler) 

Age- NAS(No Age Statement) 

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin-  San, Antonio, TX, USA

Distillery- Rebecca Creek Distillery

Awards Won- 2012 Gold Medal, SIP International Spirits Competition among others

Tasting info-

Serving Glass- Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving Style- Neat

Appearance- Medium Pale

Aroma- Typical oak, honey, vanilla, spices

Flavor- Quite a mouthful, oak, marmalade, cinnamon, lingering effect, spices

Body- Medium

Finish- Bitter, not smooth, very short lingering

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf

Just a regular whiskey nothing that stand out except for slight bitter aftertaste. 

Occasions- Casual

Cocktails- None recommended

SJ's Pro tip- Great addition in whiskey collection 

I enjoyed reviewing this whisky, not much as tasting it but still the process of revealing is highly satisfying. Have a shot yourself and find out. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly! 

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Spey River Speyside Sherry Cask Finish

Today I am reviewing Spey River Sherry Cask Finish. I intend to provide the following information. 

- History behind this single malt

- Tasting notes

- Food Pairings

-SJ's Rating

-SJ's Pro tip

It's website states "Spey River is a collection of the finest single malt scotch whiskies from the renowned Speyside region of Scotland known for its combination of refined flavor , aroma and excellence. 

Spey River Sherry Cask finish is first matured in American white oak casks with secondary finishing in used sherry casks.

Vital Stats- Spey River Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sherry Cask Finish

Price- $31.57 for 750ml ($1.99 for 50ml pictured sampler)

Age-  NAS

ABV- 40%

Country of Origin- Scotland

Region- Speyside

Company- The Spey River Company, Bellshill, Scotland

Awards won- 2017 Silver, International Wine & Spirits Competition

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Glencairn Glass 

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Medium Gold

Aroma- Light whiff of floral goodness, definitely some sherry. Hint of vanilla, honey, spices, caramel, light chocolate. 

Flavor- Slight hint of sherry but not robust, slightly sweet , fruity with spices

Body- Medium

Finish- Neither smooth nor lingering, short finish

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

It is just as expected of a cheap single malt with no distillery name. Everyday budget whisky. 

Occasions- Casual drinking, whisky flight with other finishes like Spey River Rum cask

Food Pairing- Pork Choila

SJ's Pro tip- For those who want single malt but are on a tight budget, this is perfect for you. The oak and sherry taste and aroma is very weak. 

It was a pleasure tasting this whisky & presenting the findings. Hope this is helpful to all my readers. Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly 🥃🥃

I have in my previous blogs already reviewed Spey River Bourbon Cask Finish, feel free to take a look if you would like. 

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